Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Lunar Probe mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow is renowned for its smooth keystrokes and reduced resistance due to its aerodynamically designed stems with tiny holes. It also boasts enhanced stability and refined typing feel with its enlarged and hollowed-out stem post. On the other hand, the Lunar Probe impresses with its dual rail mechanism for stable and consistent keypresses, along with a smooth linear sensation and subtle sound signature. While the CAP V2 Milky Yellow is known for its buttery and thocky feel, the Lunar Probe offers a unique typing experience without a specific categorization. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Lunar Probe feature nylon bottom housings, which elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on these switches. However, the top housings of the two switches differ significantly, with the CAP V2 Milky Yellow utilizing a nylon top housing for a similar sound profile, while the Lunar Probe incorporates a polycarbonate top housing. The polycarbonate material creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to nylon, thanks to its stiffer composition that leads to a more clear and resonant sound. Aesthetically, the clear polycarbonate top housing is ideal for RGB lighting applications, adding a visually appealing element to the switch.
In terms of sound and feel, the nylon bottom housings of both the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Lunar Probe play a significant role in shaping the overall typing experience, offering a deep and full sound profile that is characteristic of nylon's softer plastic composition. When comparing the top housings, however, the differences become apparent - the CAP V2 Milky Yellow's nylon top housing maintains the dull and round sound profile consistent with nylon, while the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, crisper sound profile. This distinction showcases how the choice of housing material can impact the sound and feel of a switch, with nylon offering a softer and more absorbent quality, and polycarbonate delivering a clearer and more resonant sound.
Overall, the use of different housing materials in the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow and the Gateron Lunar Probe highlights the different acoustical characteristics that each material brings to the table. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings for a deep and full sound profile, the contrasting top housings result in distinct sound profiles - the CAP V2 Milky Yellow's nylon top housing creating a duller and rounder sound, and the Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top housing producing a sharper and crisper sound. Both switches offer unique typing experiences based on the combination of their top and bottom housing materials, showcasing the impact of housing materials on sound and feel in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Lunar Probe's lighter 45 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow requires 65 grams, making it a bit heavier than the Lunar Probe, which bottoms out at 50 grams. This makes the Lunar Probe lighter overall, perfect for those who prefer a softer touch when typing or gaming for extended periods. In contrast, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, catering to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out force, with the Lunar Probe offering a lighter touch and the CAP V2 Milky Yellow providing a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, we find that the CAP V2 Milky Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Lunar Probe has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The traditional travel distance of 4 mm offers a standard feel, while the shorter 3.6 mm distance can provide a quicker response time, favored by gamers. Those who prefer a more responsive typing experience may prefer the Lunar Probe, while those who enjoy a deeper key press may opt for the CAP V2 Milky Yellow. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
The Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch is known for its thocky, bassy, and low-pitched characteristics, resulting in a deep, rich, and satisfying sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, information on the sound profile of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is not specified. It is important to consider that the sound produced by a switch is influenced by various factors including the keyboard board and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch is often described as buttery, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience that is seamless, effortless, and uniform. Meanwhile, details on the typing feel of the Gateron Lunar Probe switch are not provided. The CAP V2 Milky Yellow switch's innovative design with aerodynamic stems and enhanced stability from a hollowed-out stem post contribute to its highly regarded typing feel.
In conclusion, based on the information provided, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch stands out for its thocky, bassy sound profile and buttery typing feel, offering smooth and stable keystrokes. While the sound and feel of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch remains unspecified, it is likely to provide a consistent and smooth linear typing experience with a subtle sound signature. Ultimately, both switches from Gateron offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a smooth keystroke with a thocky, bassy sound profile, the Gateron CAP V2 Milky Yellow linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and value stable and consistent keypresses with a pre-lubed linear sensation, then the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch would be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal typing style and what qualities you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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